KUCHING: Coordination of fatwas by the Mufti Department is very important to clarify the interpretation of technology and science in the context of Islamic law.
While pointing that fatwa is under the jurisdiction of the state, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said those who are given the power to evaluate and decide the fatwas should be experts in the issues raised in the world today.
He pointed out that with the evolution of science and research, there was a need to manage and develop the society by making the right decisions in the issuance of fatwas.
“Today, I want to focus on science so that our experts can help and give us advice on how to solve our problems related to science,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak-level Fatwa Seminar at Islamic Complex Hall here today.
Due to the rapid advancement of science, he expressed his fear that if one does not have a strong faith in religion, they might be distorted by science.
“If a person is science-based and has no religious belief, he may be distorted and this is a challenge for us as humans. That is why we need to have a framework, parameters to limit things that can bring harm to society.
“This includes science-based analysis that we have to use and we refer to what is written in the al-Quran. Because in Islam, science is indeed dependent on the al-Quran,” he said.
He expressed his hope that the experts participating in the seminar would give their advice in leading humanity and in the context of Sarawak where environment is taken note of.
“I am grateful to the Mufti Department of Sarawak for always taking advice before issuing a fatwa by discussing and looking at the information from all angles based on the al-Quran and hadith.
“With the concept of mindfulness, we will be aware of what is happening around us so that our future will be brighter and in line with the changing times. With this, I believe Sarawak will be developed well,” he said.
